The clarion call of Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh urging the people of Manipur not to make light of the conflict in the state literally moved the people to tears, literally. It makes us realise how seriously the government has been toiling day and night to address the "issue", while steering clear of real matters completely.
As a concerned citizen, I stand with the chief minister—for now, let's get down to the bones of the matter so that the people can assess the issue more properly and "be more serious".
Since May 3, 2024 crores worth of properties, over 200 lives have been lost and as many as 60,000 individuals are still displaced. Talks of reconciliation and resettlement is a far-fetched dream.
The issues of drugs, poppy plantation and land encroachment are far from being resolved. And now, heavy influx of illegal aliens from neighbouring Myanmar into the hill districts of Manipur has suddenly become the new talk of the town.
The state's economy is at an all-time low, education is barely breathing to say the least, and social dynamics have been severed beyond repair.
The state government claims Manipur is still united but is it? Movement of certain communities is heavily restricted and while some are simply waiting for their turn to strike a "cunning blow". Where is this alluring unity?
Though territorial integrity is intact in theory (although we cannot be certain even in theory), there is no practicality to this statement. As much as I hate to say it, Manipur is fractured and the "doctor" is nowhere to be found. And the saddest thing is we don't even know who is going to heal the state.
The national media has moved on to better stories, because the "Manipur story" was just not selling as they had hoped. All their attempts to concoct a juicy headline from the conflict backfired; their minority-majority cards played out and failed to win any chips.
On the other hand, it is fair to presume that the people of Manipur are nothing more than collateral in India's quest for a geopolitical upperhand. The looming question of India's involvement in the Myanmar conflict is starting to take shape as they haven't initiated any practical peace measures to end a year-old proxy conflict in their own backyard.
As certains scholars have rightly put forth on various platforms, we must address the elephant in the room and rethink our relationship with the Union of India. The terms and conditions under which Manipur merged with the Union must be revisited, reanalyzed and rectified.
Even at this crucial juncture, there are no concerted efforts from the Manipur government to enact an isolated geopolitical strategy which protects the territory and the people. The people must open their eyes to the larger political game which is being played. 'Heinou-makhong' needs ballsy leaders who can independently articulate diplomatic and political interests of Manipur in the long-run, not leaders who are more interested in playing balls in dim lighted hotel rooms.
The ongoing conflict will be remembered as one of the darkest moments in the callow pages of Manipur's history. The state has not witnessed militarization of this extent since its inception. Maybe it is time to reawaken the spirit of revolution, not in arms but by retracing the roots of Manipur; by retracing our history, heritage and spirit of freedom. The most violent wars are not fought on the battlefield but within the confines of four walls.
But then again, these issues, including many more, are all less serious matters because according to our leaders we must seriously stay silent, act if nothing has happened and wait for the lifeboats to save us from the sinking ship. As the comic book villain Joker put it, as he waltzes into a room full of people with weapons to hold them hostages, "Why so serious?"
(The views expressed are personal)
